Salute To The Starman: British Airways to Pay Tribute to David Bowie

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In the wake of David Bowie’s death on January 10, tributes to the musical and fashion icon have poured in from around the globe and, now, even from the skies—British Airways is planning a months-long in-flight homage to the Starman.

Starting next week, passengers flying on select British Airways’s long-haul flights will be able to watch the 2013 documentary, David Bowie: Five Years In The Making of an Icon. The film is mandatory viewing for Bowie fans as it offers an intimate portrait of the chameleon-like star as he reinvented himself from Ziggy Stardust to the soul singer of “Young Americans” to his global success with “Let’s Dance” over the course of the film’s five-year span. It features plenty of rare archival footage, interviews, and music, which will make any long-haul fly by.

“In recognition of the huge impact Bowie had on popular British culture, and to people around the world, we felt that it was a fitting tribute to the man and his music,” said Richard D’Cruze, British Airways’ in-flight entertainment manager.

In addition to the TV special, British Airways is offering a panoply of audio programs to honor the rock star. Beginning on April 1, passengers on select flights will be able to spend their time in the sky listening to two hour-long Bowie concerts, both recorded in 1996, as well as The Best of Bowie (1969-1974) documentary, recorded in 1997, featuring a round-up of Bowie’s best songs from his early career with interview clips. Also on the plane’s playlist is the David Bowie at the Beeb documentary, which goes behind-the-scenes of Bowie’s BBC recordings, and the interview IntheStudio.Net, which has Bowie in conversation with DJ Redbeard talking about his career from 1969 to 1973.

For those flying after May 1, options like Profiles: David Bowie, featuring Bowie talking about his career up until the end of the 1970s and the 1993 interview The David Bowie Story, filled with the stories behind Bowie’s best known songs, will be available.

If the entertainment options have you dancing in the aisles of the plane, it’s safe to assume that Bowie would approve.